How to Grow Bauhinia Variegata | Orchid Tree Care

This guide provides instructions for growing Bauhinia Variegata, an evergreen shrub that produces gorgeous pink flowers. Here’s how to care for Orchid Tree!

The Bauhinia variegata is an exquisite flowering plant, commonly popular as Orchid Tree. A native to southern China and the Indian subcontinent, this species of plant requires ample sun, moisture, and proper pruning in order to reach its full potential in the garden. 

About Bauhinia Variegata 

Bauhinia variegata, also popular as the Orchid Tree, is a flowering tree that is native to Southeast Asia, including India, China, and Vietnam. It is also commonly found in other tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Bauhinia variegata is a deciduous tree that typically grows to a height of 10-12 meters, although it can sometimes grow taller.  

It has a spreading, rounded crown and a trunk that is usually short and thick. The leaves are alternate and bi-lobed, resembling butterfly wings. The tree produces large, showy flowers that are pink to purple in color and have five petals.

Bauhinia variegata is commonly grown as an ornamental tree for its attractive flowers and foliage. Additionally, it is also sometimes used in traditional medicine for various ailments, and the bark and leaves have been used to make dyes. 

Common Names: Orchid tree and Mountain ebony

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How to Propagate Bauhinia Variegata? 

From Seeds

• Firstly, collect the seeds from mature Orchid Tree pods that have turned brown and dry. 
• Soak the seeds in water for 24 hours before sowing. 
• Fill a container with well-draining potting mix and sow the seeds at a depth of about 1 cm. 
• Keep the soil moist and place the container in a warm, sunny location. 
• At last, the seeds should germinate within 1-2 weeks. 

From Stem Cuttings

• Firstly, take a cutting from a mature Bauhinia variegata tree in the early spring. 
• Cut a stem section that is 15-20 cm long and has several nodes. 
• Remove the lower leaves from the stem, leaving only 2-3 leaves at the top. 
• Dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone. 
• Plant the cutting in well-draining potting mix and water it thoroughly. 
• Keep the cutting in a warm, humid location and mist it regularly. 
• At last, the cutting should root within 4-6 weeks. 

Requirements to Grow Bauhinia Variegata 

Sunlight

Bauhinia variegata thrives in full sunlight to partial shade. In India, it is commonly found growing in tropical and subtropical regions, where it is exposed to plenty of sunlight throughout the year.

Therefore, it is best to plant Bauhinia variegata in a location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. If planting in an area with hot summers, it may benefit from some partial shade during the hottest parts of the day. 

Soil

Bauhinia variegata prefers well-drained soil that is slightly acidic to neutral (pH 5.5-7.5). Orchid Tree can grow in a range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils, as long as the soil is fertile and well-draining.

The addition of organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure, can improve soil structure and fertility. 

Water

Bauhinia variegata requires moderate watering. During the growing season, the soil should be kept evenly moist, but not waterlogged. Watering frequency will depend on the weather conditions, soil type, and age of the plant. Young Orchid Trees and those growing in sandy soils may require more frequent watering.

Once established, Bauhinia variegata can tolerate some drought but will benefit from occasional deep watering during prolonged dry spells. 

Temperature

Bauhinia variegata is a tropical to subtropical plant that prefers warm temperatures. Additionally, It can tolerate a range of temperatures from 10-40°C, but grows best in temperatures between 20-35°C.

Orchid Tree can tolerate some frost, but prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures can damage or kill the plant. In India, Bauhinia variegata is commonly found in regions with high humidity and warm temperatures throughout the year, such as the southern and western coastal regions. 

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Bauhinia Variegata Care 

Fertilizer

Bauhinia variegata benefits from regular fertilization to support its growth and flowering. A balanced, slow-release fertilizer can be applied every 2-3 months during the growing season (spring to fall).

Alternatively, organic fertilizers such as compost or well-rotted manure can be applied in the spring and fall to improve soil fertility. Avoid over-fertilizing as this can lead to excessive vegetative growth at the expense of flowering. 

Pruning

Bauhinia variegata can benefit from pruning to control its size and shape and to promote fuller growth and flowering. Pruning can be done in late winter or early spring before new growth appears.

Dead or damaged branches can be removed at any time. Additionally, Orchid Tree can also be trained to grow as a small tree by removing lower branches and leaving a single stem to grow taller. 

Pest and Diseases

Bauhinia variegata is generally a hardy plant that is not prone to many pest and disease problems. However, Orchid Tree can be susceptible to leaf spot diseases and root rot if grown in poorly draining soil or over-watered.

To prevent these problems, avoid over-watering, improve soil drainage, and keep the foliage dry when watering. If leaf spots occur, affected leaves should be removed and destroyed. Insects such as aphids and spider mites may occasionally infest the plant, but they can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.